Summer may not be a major season for sickness but infections and illnesses are more common than you might think.
Viruses and bacteria thrive in warm and moist environment and now that it’s summer time, you spend more time outdoors, exposing you more and putting you at risk of getting infected and ill. And you don’t want that to get in the way of summer fun, do you?
To protect yourself and your family, here are 4 summer sicknesses to know about:
1. Enteroviral Infection
Enteroviruses are found in respiratory secretions (saliva, sputum or nasal secretions) and feces of infected persons. And its occurrence is very common in community swimming pools. Since summer involves lots of swimming and water activities, you and your children are prone to swallowing water and getting contaminated, so be careful.
Symptoms: Common cold symptoms, sore throat, fever, vomiting, conjunctivitis, muscle aches and non-itchy rash on the skin.
Treatment: It clears up on its own after a few days, with supportive measures like rest, increase fluid intake and pain and fever medications.
2. Food Poisoning
Food Poisoning is a lot common during the summer because of fast bacterial growth in heated environments. Hygiene, food storage, cooking temperatures use by dates are very important to prevent getting food poisoned. It’s a must to be keen when buying food and drinks from food carts and outdoor food chains during the summer. And remember to wash your hands, utensils and food surfaces often.
Symptoms: Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, nausea and mild fever.
Treatment: Replace fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea by drinking lots of fluids. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. In case of severe diarrhea, consult with your doctor right away.
3. Lyme Disease
Lyme Disease is transmitted to humans through a bite from an infected black-legged or deer tick. People who are at risk are those who like to go outdoors, camping, hunting, hiking, etc.
Symptoms: A single bull’s eye rash, body-wide itching, severe headache or neck stiffness, fever, chills and muscle pain.
Treatment: Visit your healthcare provider to get your antibiotic prescription.
4. Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is when too much time is spent under the sun that can cause the body to lose its ability to cool itself. This can cause dehydration and can progress to heat stroke which can cause death. Visit my previous blog post to read about different summer safety tips to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Symptoms: Profuse sweating, weakness, lightheadedness, headache, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting.
Treatment: Rest in cool places, lots of fluid and cool shower or bath.
